Meet Arlene Hacatoryan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Arlene Hacatoryan.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Arlene. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After graduating from USC School of Architecture with a 5-year professional degree, I worked in the luxury hospitality design industry for several years and headed some major projects both local and abroad right from the outset of my career. It was intense and demanding work, and I jumped in headfirst. Because I was saying yes to everything, I was constantly taking on more responsibilities. In a small period of time, I was able to learn an incredible amount about the industry, the vendors, the design process, and the execution process of a big project.

In the meantime, I was working on my own outside work and designed a small storefront in Newport Beach that gained local headlines and recognition. That brought in lots of inquiries for interior design and before I knew it, I had opened my own interior design studio!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
An unpaved road is never smooth!

I spent the first year working on projects while simultaneously creating the internal systems for my company to keep projects organized. It was a huge undertaking because I had just left a company that had been established for 10+ years, who already had their systems in place. It took lots of foresight and an organized mind to do that!

I also immediately set out to build my professional materials library from scratch. Thankfully I had lots of previous experience and knew which companies I wanted to work with locally and abroad. Even now, I continue to curate my library to make sure it is up to date and reflective of current trends. My library is a treasure trove full of samples from some of the most amazing companies who provide fabrics, leather, wallcovering, stone, tile, wood floor, veneer, glass, and so much more. I look for materials that inspire me, are reflective of my quality of work, and that also would be used for the type of projects I design.

One of the most challenging tasks (and something many entrepreneurs can probably relate to) was to quantify and actually ask for the real value of my services. Because I was starting out, I felt I could not compete immediately with the pricing that other designers in my area charge, even though I had as much, if not more experience. It took getting a few projects under my belt to feel the confidence that my services are in fact as good as, if not better than many other interior design companies.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am based in Newport Beach and currently serve the local luxury residential market in OC and LA. All of my projects are 4,500 sf+. I mainly work with full scale remodels, where I select everything from the finishes, millwork, drapery, furnishings, lighting, accessories, and art. Sometimes I have clients who want to start with just one area of the house, but usually they get so excited about the design that we end up doing more. I have also gone to great lengths to curate my client’s homes including selecting their wine glasses and fine china!

What sets me apart from other interior designers is that I received my design training in architecture school and worked for several years in architecture firms, so I have a keen understanding of how people relate to space. As a result, I am not your average decorator who fluffs pillows and picks out drapery at the end of a project. I usually come in at the beginning of the project and really work with the client to understand how they live their life in their homes. We work together to find ways to enhance their day-to-day experience through design, whether it’s new finishes or furniture, or even moving around walls.

I offer a very high end, white glove, and personal service to my clients, and as a result, I have created what I believe will be lasting lifetime relationships. My goal is to elevate my clients’ quality of life by enriching their spaces with timeless and thoughtful designs.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have been really blessed to work with some amazing clients over the years. My plans for the future are to continue those relationships, gain more clientele, and create a larger body of work. I am also hoping to expand by creating a great team to support me. Overall, I still want to keep my studio an intimate boutique size because I think having my personal touch with each project is where the magic happens. I feel I have come so far and am excited to see what the future holds!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.arlene-hacatoryan.com
• Phone: 949-637-3060
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @arlene.hacatoryan.studio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arlenehacatoryanstudio/

Image Credit:
Arlene Hacatoryan

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